Ranking All 30 NBA Starting Point Guards (2025-26)
- Joel Piton
- Oct 7
- 17 min read
Updated: Oct 12
by Joel Piton 10/7/2025 Sportz Nation
The NBA is a guard-driven league, and no position dictates the tempo of a game more than the point guard. Every team relies on its floor general to set the tone, control the pace, and put teammates in the right spots—whether that means scoring in bunches, facilitating the offense, or locking down defensively on the perimeter. Some starting point guards are already established superstars, while others are young players still proving they can shoulder the responsibility of running an NBA team.
With all 30 franchises searching for stability at the most important backcourt position, it’s the perfect time to break down each starter’s impact and effectiveness. From MVP candidates to role players fighting to keep their job, we’re ranking every team’s starting point guard and examining how well they steer their squads into the 2025–26 season.
Ben Saraf
— Brooklyn Nets
2024-25 Stats — N/A
Rookie guard Ben Saraf has turned heads all preseason, seemingly edging out Egor Demin for the Spurs’ starting point guard spot. At 6’6, the Israeli native brings rare size to the position, allowing him to see over defenses, thread passes with precision, and attack the rim with confidence. Head coach Jordi Fernández has praised Saraf’s poise and maturity well beyond his years, and it’s easy to see why. With his combination of vision, scoring touch, and length, Saraf looks like a nightly double-double threat once the regular season begins—and the scary part is, he’s only scratching the surface of his potential.
Aaron Holiday
— Houston Rockets
2024-25 Stats — 5.5 PPG — 1.3 RPG — 1.3 APG — .3 SPG — 43.6 FG %
With Fred VanVleet sidelined indefinitely, Aaron Holiday steps into the role of Houston’s starting point guard. At just 6’0, Holiday has carved out an eight-year NBA career by being steady, scrappy, and willing to adapt—traits that shouldn’t be overlooked. He’s a streaky scorer but a legitimate threat from deep, shooting close to 40% from three and giving the Rockets a reliable floor spacer. While he doesn’t bring the same defensive punch as his brother Jrue, Aaron’s competitiveness and resilience shine through. This is a rare opportunity for him to run the show, and it’ll be fascinating to see if he can maximize it.
Jose Alvarado
— New Orleans Pelicans
2024-25 Stats — 10.3 PPG — 2.4 RPG — 4.6 APG — 1.3 SPG — 39.2 FG %
With Dejounte Murray sidelined, Jose Alvarado steps into the starting point guard role, continuing the momentum he built late last season. Though undersized at 6’0, Alvarado consistently plays bigger than his frame suggests, frustrating opposing ball-handlers with relentless pressure and his trademark sneaky steals. He’s already established himself as one of the league’s premier perimeter pests, and somehow manages to fill the Murray-shaped void despite giving up half a foot in height. Offensively, Alvarado showed growth last year, posting a career-high scoring average, and the Pelicans hope that upward trajectory continues as he shoulders more responsibility in the starting unit.
Kevin Porter Jr.
- Milwaukee Bucks
2024-25 Stats — 10.3 PPG — 3.7 RPG — 3.4 APG — 1.1 SPG — 44.9 FG %
Kevin Porter Jr. has fought hard to stay on an NBA roster, and now he finds himself with another chance to prove his value. We’ve already seen flashes of what he can bring offensively—back in Houston, a 22-year-old Porter nearly averaged 20 points per game and showcased his ability to create his own shot. Since then, the road has been uneven, but scoring has always remained his calling card. For Milwaukee, that’s crucial. With Damian Lillard gone, the Bucks are searching for another perimeter weapon to ease the burden on Giannis Antetokounmpo. Porter isn’t Dame, but he is a crafty, shifty combo guard capable of filling it up in a hurry, and his improved efficiency last season suggests he’s trending in the right direction.
Mike Conley
— Minnesota Timberwolves
2024-25 Stats — 8.2 PPG — 2.6 RPG — 4.5 APG — 1.1 SPG — 40.0 FG %
At 38 years old, “Uncle Mike” stands alongside Kevin Durant, Al Horford, and Jeff Green as one of the last active players from the 2007 draft class. What’s remarkable is that Conley isn’t just hanging on—he’s still a highly respected starting point guard. No longer the 20-point-per-game scorer of his prime, Conley now thrives as a steady two-way presence who elevates his team in countless subtle ways. His leadership and voice in the locker room have been invaluable for Minnesota, adding to the Wolves’ growing chemistry. On the court, he remains an efficient offensive threat, particularly from deep, where he continues to knock down threes at around a 40% clip. For a Timberwolves team with championship aspirations, Conley’s mix of poise, defense, and shooting provides the balance they need.
T.J. McConnell
— Indiana Pacers
2024-25 Stats — 9.1 PPG — 2.4 RPG — 4.4 APG — 1.1 SPG — 51.9 FG %
Nembhard could in all likelyhood start at the point, but I think he could work better as a shooting guard. As for T.J. McConnell, he turned heads in this summer’s NBA Finals with a standout performance, but for Pacers fans, it was simply more of what he’s been doing for years. For six seasons in Indiana, McConnell has brought relentless energy and heart off the bench, shooting better than 50% from the field in five of them despite a limited shot diet. His efficiency, paired with a blistering average of five assists per game in reserve minutes, makes him one of the league’s most reliable backup guards. Now, with Tyrese Haliburton sidelined, McConnell is stepping into a starting role with big shoes to fill. It’s a challenge, but given his consistency and leadership, it’s a move Indiana fans might embrace more than expected.
Davion Mitchell
— Miami Heat
2024-25 Stats — 7.9 PPG — 2.3 RPG — 4.9 APG — 1.0 SPG — 46.8 FG %
Known for his tenacious on-ball defense, Davion Mitchell looks like a long-term fit in Miami’s backcourt. In just 10 games with the Heat last season, he averaged 10 points while posting efficient 50/40 shooting splits—proof that his offense may be more reliable than his reputation suggests. Mitchell’s offseason workouts have highlighted his focus on fundamentals and consistency, and if Erik Spoelstra trusts him with more shot attempts, he could be a sneaky offensive weapon. Even if his scoring doesn’t take a leap, pairing Mitchell’s lockdown defense with Tyler Herro’s offensive firepower gives Miami the kind of balance that makes them a tough out on any night.
Keyonte George
— Utah Jazz
2024-25 Stats — 16.8 PPG — 3.8 RPG — 5.6 APG — .7 SPG — 39.1 FG %
Despite shaky efficiency, Keyonte George was thrust into a heavy offensive role as a rookie and rose to the challenge, averaging nearly 17 points and 5 assists per game. At just 21, he’s already shown he can score in bunches and keep a rebuilding Utah squad competitive, even when the team appeared to be playing for lottery odds. George’s ability to both create his own shot and facilitate makes him a cornerstone piece of the Jazz’s future. With continued development alongside Lauri Markkanen, it’s not unrealistic to see George eclipse the 20-point-per-game mark in his second season and cement himself as Utah’s primary backcourt engine.
Dennis Schröder
— Sacramento Kings
2024-25 Stats — 13.1 PPG — 2.6 RPG — 5.4 APG — .9 SPG — 40.6 FG%
Fresh off an MVP run at EuroBasket, Dennis Schröder proved last season that he can adapt to just about any role, suiting up for three different NBA teams and finding success in each system. The veteran German guard remains capable of being a lead option—as he showed in Brooklyn—or sliding seamlessly into a supporting role alongside stars like Stephen Curry or Cade Cunningham. Now on his ninth NBA team, Schröder continues to embody resilience and versatility, and it wouldn’t be surprising if this isn’t his final stop. For now, though, Sacramento needs exactly what he brings: stability, playmaking, and veteran savvy in the absence of De’Aaron Fox.
D'Angelo Russell
— Dallas Mavericks
2024-25 Stats — 12.6 PPG — 2.8 RPG — 5.1 APG — 1.0 SPG — 39.0 FG %
The 2024–25 season was a rough ride for D-Lo. After struggling to fit in with the Lakers, he found himself back in Brooklyn—a familiar stop—but never looked comfortable, shooting under 40% from the field even while taking on bigger scoring duties with Cam Thomas sidelined. Now in Dallas, the expectations are high. With Kyrie Irving gone, Russell will be asked to shoulder a significant offensive load alongside Luka Dončić, and fans will demand efficiency and consistency. Russell has shown in the past that he can be both a primary scorer and a steady playmaker, but the challenge will be finding his rhythm in a system that needs him to be more than just flashes of his old All-Star self.
Immanuel Quickley
— Toronto Raptors
2024-25 Stats — 17.1 PPG — 3.5 RPG — 5.8 APG — .7 SPG — 42.0 FG %
A streaky, speedy combo guard, Immanuel Quickley may not yet be a household name, but his impact in Toronto has been undeniable. Calling himself a “Lou Williams 2.0,” Quickley thrives as an instant-offense spark who can light up a defense in a matter of possessions. He’s equally dangerous pulling up from deep or slipping into the lane for his trademark floater, giving the Raptors a versatile scoring option. The biggest hurdle has been availability—injuries have limited him to fewer than 40 games in each of his two seasons with Toronto. If he can stay on the floor, Quickley has the skillset to elevate the Raptors well beyond expectations, serving as both a scorer and a catalyst in the backcourt.
Payton Pritchard
— Boston Celtics
2024-25 Stats — 14.3 PPG — 3.8 RPG — 3.5 APG — .9 SPG — 47.2 FG %
Though often slotted as a sixth man, Payton Pritchard looks poised to claim the starting point guard role in Portland, likely edging out Anfernee Simons for opening night. Pritchard spent last season buried behind Jrue Holiday in Boston, but he showed enough flashes to suggest he could thrive with more responsibility. Now he finally has the chance to let his offensive game loose. A career 40% shooter from three, Pritchard has limitless range—he’ll pull confidently from half court and barely blink. His spacing will be crucial for a Blazers team in transition, and while they’ve lost significant offensive firepower in recent months, Pritchard’s ability to stretch defenses and score in bunches provides some much-needed stability.
Jrue Holiday
— Portland Trail Blazers
2024-25 Stats — 11.1 PPG — 4.3 RPG — 3.9 APG — 1.1 SPG — 44.3 FG %
Jrue Holiday may see time at shooting guard this season, depending on how quickly Damian Lillard returns or how soon Scoot Henderson proves ready to take the reins. But regardless of positional shuffle, Holiday remains one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders, even well into his 30s. A two-time NBA champion with six All-Defensive Team selections, he brings toughness, IQ, and veteran savvy to a young Portland squad. Holiday’s ability to guard multiple positions, make the right reads offensively, and serve as a stabilizing presence ensures his value goes far beyond the box score—and his accolades suggest he’s not done adding to his defensive legacy.
Jalen Suggs
— Orlando Magic
2024-25 Stats — 16.2 PPG — 4.0 RPG — 3.7 APG — 1.5 SPG — 41.0 FG %
Even with a dip in efficiency, Jalen Suggs remains one of the more complete young point guards in the league. At 6’5, he’s a physical two-way threat who can pressure smaller guards defensively while using his size to see over the defense offensively. Suggs has good instincts as a passer, though there’s still room for him to become more unselfish and refine his decision-making. At just 24 years old, time is firmly on his side. The biggest concern has been availability—injuries limited him to only 35 games last season, stalling some of his development. If Orlando wants to make a serious push, they’ll need all their core pieces healthy, and Suggs’ blend of defense, toughness, and playmaking makes him one of the keys to their ceiling.
C.J. McCollum
— Washington Wizards
2024-25 Stats — 21.1 PPG — 3.8 RPG — 4.1 APG — .8 SPG — 44.4 FG %
Few players in the league can match C.J. McCollum’s consistency. The veteran guard has averaged over 20 points per game for a decade straight and is on track to surpass the 20,000 career point milestone. He’s a proven bucket-getter who never shies away from the moment, earning respect from players and executives across the league—even if fans often overlook him. For Washington, McCollum provides much-needed offensive firepower and veteran leadership alongside Khris Middleton. But while his individual production will likely remain steady, the Wizards’ lack of competitiveness puts a cap on just how impactful his play can be in the bigger picture. McCollum will almost certainly deliver another strong offensive season, but winning ultimately dictates legacy, and that’s the one piece missing from his résumé right now.
Josh Giddey
— Chicago Bulls
2024-25 Stats — 14.6 PPG — 8.1 RPG — 7.2 APG — 1.2 SPG — 46.5 FG %
Standing 6’8, Josh Giddey is a rare triple-double threat at the point guard position. The Australian native has re-signed with Chicago for another tenure, and while the Bulls’ roster still needs work to re-enter playoff contention, Giddey himself continues to rise as a leader. At just 22 years old, he hasn’t come close to reaching his ceiling. A gifted passer with excellent vision, Giddey uses his size to exploit mismatches, see over defenses, and guard virtually any position on the floor. His all-around game has been so impactful that Coby White—once the Bulls’ lead guard—has shifted to shooting guard to accommodate him. Giddey’s value at the one is undeniable, and as he continues to develop, he’ll remain the engine giving Chicago traction in their rebuild.
Jamal Murray
— Denver Nuggets
2024-25 Stats — 21.4 PPG — 3.9 RPG — 6.0 APG — 1.4 SPG — 47.4 FG %
Once hailed as one of the NBA’s most exciting point guards, Jamal Murray rode his Finals heroics into the conversation as a top-five guard in the league. While opponents may have adjusted to his game over time, Murray has continued to evolve, finding ways to remain a vital offensive engine for Denver. Entering his 10th season, he’s provided the Nuggets with steady shot-making, big-game composure, and resilience, overcoming significant injury setbacks along the way. Murray may not dominate headlines the way he once did, but his ability to deliver when it matters most keeps him firmly among the league’s most respected floor generals. You have to respect the body of work.
LaMelo Ball
— Charlotte Hornets
2024-25 Stats — 21.0 PPG — 6.0 RPG — 7.4 APG — 1.5 SPG — 42.1 FG %
The Hornets haven’t been competitive in years, but LaMelo Ball instantly makes them must-watch basketball. With his step-back threes, flashy crossovers, and deep-range shot-making, LaMelo is one of the NBA’s most entertaining point guards and a legitimate offensive engine. The issue, however, has never been talent—it’s availability. He’s played just 47, 22, and 36 games in the past three seasons, leaving Charlotte without its star more often than not. The Hornets have added real firepower this offseason, and for the first time in a while, they look capable of making noise. But that hinges on Ball’s health. If he can finally stay on the floor, Charlotte’s ceiling rises as high as he can carry them.
De'Aaron Fox
— San Antonio Spurs
2024-25 Stats — 23.5 PPG — 4.8 RPG — 6.3 APG — 1.5 SPG — 44.8 FG %
De’Aaron Fox enters a crowded Spurs backcourt as the unquestioned starter, and his transition from Sacramento to San Antonio hasn’t slowed him down one bit. In fact, Fox looks quicker and more explosive than ever, while also posting his highest assist numbers since the 2020–21 season. That growth reflects his evolution into a more unselfish playmaker—one who can still put up points in bunches when needed. Now paired with Victor Wembanyama, Fox has the chance to be part of one of the most dynamic duos in the league. The speed, athleticism, and offensive punch he brings make San Antonio’s ceiling all the more intriguing heading into this season.
Darius Garland
— Cleveland Cavaliers
2024-25 Stats — 20.6 PPG — 2.7 RPG — 6.7 APG — 1.2 SPG — 47.2 FG %
Darius Garland may not have made the loudest headlines last season, but his impact was undeniable. He earned his second All-Star nod while steering Cleveland to an impressive 64-win campaign, largely on the back of his steady fundamentals and offensive versatility. Garland remains a streaky scorer who can bury threes from deep or facilitate with precision, and his shot efficiency makes him one of the league’s most effective guards for his usage. The Cavs’ dominance was no accident—his box plus-minus numbers highlight just how much of a difference he makes when on the floor. Unfortunately, an untimely injury in the 2025 Conference Finals left many wondering what might have been against Indiana. Healthy and locked in, Garland is the kind of guard who keeps Cleveland firmly in contention.
Tyrese Maxey
— Philadelphia 76ers
2024-25 Stats — 26.3 PPG — 3.3 RPG — 6.1 APG — 1.8 SPG — 43.7 FG %
Injuries derailed Tyrese Maxey’s 2024–25 season, but he’s already flashing his full ability again in the preseason. Maxey plays with relentless energy, giving 110% every time he’s on the floor—sometimes to his own detriment—but that motor has fueled his rise into Philadelphia’s primary offensive weapon. When healthy, he’s nearly impossible to contain, capable of breaking down defenses with his speed, shooting, and fearless attacks to the rim. At just 24, Maxey has blossomed into a top-10 point guard in the league, and the Sixers’ chances of contending hinge directly on his availability. Simply put, Philly doesn’t get anywhere without him.
James Harden
— Los Angeles Clippers
2024-25 Stats — 22.8 PPG — 5.8 RPG — 8.7 APG — 1.5 SPG — 41.0 FG %
James Harden continues to defy Father Time, earning another All-Star selection last season while keeping the Clippers’ offense humming. No longer the nightly 30-point scorer he once was, Harden has seamlessly adapted his game, leaning on his elite vision and basketball IQ to remain one of the league’s premier playmakers. His passing has reached another level, proving his value as a true floor general rather than a pure scorer. That evolution has extended his career and made him even more impactful at the point guard position. With the wealth of talent surrounding him in Los Angeles, Harden doesn’t need to carry the scoring load—he just needs to orchestrate. And in doing so, he makes the Clippers a legitimate contender.
Trae Young
— Atlanta Hawks
Say what you will, but at just 27, Trae Young has already done the unthinkable. From averaging 30 points per game to leading the NBA in assists, his usage rate in Atlanta is sky-high—and the Hawks rely on him for virtually everything offensively. “Ice Trae” brings a killer mindset, limitless shooting range, and elite playmaking that keep Atlanta competitive, even when the roster around him has been in flux. But he can’t do it all alone. With the addition of a first overall pick and Jalen Johnson looking primed for a breakout year, the Hawks may finally have the supporting cast to make a serious playoff push. If they do, it’ll be Young leading the charge.
Ja Morant
— Memphis Grizzlies
2024-25 Stats — 23.2 PPG — 4.1 RPG — 7.3 APG — 1.2 SPG — 45.4 FG %
Availability has always been Ja Morant’s biggest hurdle, but when he’s on the floor, the Grizzlies instantly become must-see TV. At 6’3 with blazing speed and jaw-dropping athleticism, Morant is a constant threat to break down defenses, finish at the rim, or ignite a highlight reel in transition. His quick bursts and explosive leaping ability make layups look effortless, and he’s steadily becoming more reliable from three-point range. When healthy and locked in, Morant is undeniably a perennial top-10 point guard—one with the talent to stay in that tier for years to come. For Memphis, keeping him conditioned and available will determine just how far this team can go.
Devin Booker
— Phoenix Suns
2024-25 Stats — 25.6 PPG — 4.1 RPG — 7.1 APG — .9 SPG — 46.1 FG %
Long recognized as one of the league’s elite shooting guards, Devin Booker has transitioned into more of a point guard role in recent years, especially with backcourt partners like Bradley Beal and now Jalen Green alongside him. Booker has proven more than capable of handling the responsibility, averaging a career-high 7 assists per game last season without sacrificing his scoring punch. Still one of the NBA’s most dangerous three-level scorers, he consistently tops 25 points per night and can create offense from virtually anywhere on the floor. His mid-range game remains lethal, and while he has yet to hit the 40% threshold from deep, defenders can’t afford to give him space. Booker’s versatility as both a scorer and playmaker makes him one of the most complete offensive guards in basketball.
Cade Cunningham
— Detroit Pistons
2024-25 Stats — 26.1 PPG — 6.1 RPG — 9.1 APG — 1.0 SPG — 46.9 FG %
Former No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham is steadily becoming everything Detroit fans envisioned. At 6’7, he’s one of the tallest starting point guards in the league, yet he plays with the quickness and skill of a traditional floor general. Last season marked a leap forward in both scoring and playmaking, as Cunningham showed he can be a reliable offensive hub and a threat from all areas of the court. While his perimeter defense remains inconsistent, his size and instincts suggest he’ll continue to develop into a more dependable presence on that end. With his combination of length, versatility, and improving efficiency, Cunningham is cementing himself as the Pistons’ cornerstone and one of the most promising young guards in the NBA.
Jalen Brunson
— New York Knicks
2024-25 Stats — 26.0 PPG — 2.9 RPG — 7.3 APG — .9 SPG — 48.8 FG %
Jalen Brunson’s rise from a bench player in Dallas to the face of the Knicks franchise is nothing short of inspirational. Now firmly established as a top-five point guard in the league, Brunson continues to defy expectations with his ability to dominate despite being undersized. His game is built on elite mid-range scoring, a versatile offensive arsenal of post-ups, pull-ups, and crafty finishes, and a mastery of pace control that keeps defenses guessing. Brunson’s powerful yet agile shot creation makes him playoff-resilient and virtually matchup-proof, the kind of guard who can carry a team when the lights are brightest. With his confidence at an all-time high, expect Brunson to prove once again that he belongs among the NBA’s very best floor generals.
Stephen Curry
— Golden State Warriors
2024-25 Stats — 24.5 PPG — 4.4 RPG — 6.0 APG — 1.1 SPG — 44.8 FG %
At 37, Stephen Curry continues to defy Father Time, remaining one of the league’s premier players and the greatest shooter the game has ever seen. His presence alone keeps the Warriors competitive, even with a roster that has seen its share of questions in recent years. For 16 seasons, Curry has been the steady heartbeat of Golden State, carrying the franchise through every high and low with loyalty and resilience. On the court, his conditioning and skill remain unmatched—still lethal from deep and deceptively effective around the rim. Inspirational both as a player and as a leader, Curry’s legacy is already cemented, yet he continues to prove why he belongs in the conversation of the greatest to ever play.
Luka Doncic
— Los Angeles Lakers
2024-25 Stats — 28.2 PPG — 8.2 RPG — 7.7 APG — 1.8 SPG — 45.0 FG %
A fully conditioned Luka Dončić may be the scariest version yet. After unveiling the best shape of his pro career this offseason, the question becomes: just how high can he climb? Even a less-conditioned Luka was dropping 40 on opponents and carrying Dallas all the way to the NBA Finals. Case in point—no team is safe. At 6’7 with elite vision, Dončić is a nightly triple-double threat and one of the league’s deadliest three-level scorers. His combination of size, skill, and poise already puts him in the conversation among the best to ever do it, and with improved conditioning, his ceiling might be limitless. Luka isn’t just a problem—he’s the problem for every team outside of Los Angeles.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
— Oklahoma City Thunder
2024-25 Stats — 32.7 PPG — 5.0 RPG — 6.4 APG — 1.7 SPG — 51.9 FG %
Reigning MVP and NBA champion, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is coming off one of the greatest single-season campaigns in league history. At 6’6, SGA blends size, skill, and poise into a nearly unstoppable offensive arsenal—whether it’s his smooth mid-range game, crafty floaters, or improved shooting from beyond the arc. Averaging 30 points per game has become routine for him, a testament to both his consistency and his efficiency. More than just a scorer, Shai embodies what it means to elevate a franchise, setting the standard for greatness in today’s NBA and proving he can lead a team to the ultimate prize. At just 27, with his prime still ahead of him, there’s no telling how much higher his legacy can climb this season.
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Of course, no ranking is ever set in stone. Injuries have already shaken up the picture, with stars like Kyrie Irving and Tyrese Haliburton sidelined and forcing their teams to adapt on the fly. A handful of other names on this list could see their stock rise or fall simply based on availability. Beyond that, some guards are about to step into a spotlight they’ve never experienced before—asked to carry weight they may not be ready for, lead late-game possessions, and prove they belong among the league’s best. Predicting how they’ll respond is what makes this exercise both challenging and exciting. Will these rankings hold up as the season unfolds? Only time will tell.
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Joel Piton